Protection against tetanus in the aged people in the Czech Republic—cross-sectional study

The aged people belong to most vulnerable group for tetanus infection in terms of their vaccination history, frequency of injuries, which may serve as gate of entry for this infection and declared decrease of general as well as specific immunity. The examinations of the aged people for antitetanus antibodies have been done to assess the immunity against tetanus in this particular group of people in the Czech republic. Blood samples were collected from people living in hostels for senior citizens on the bases of signed informed consent. The study focused on people older than 60 years of age. TETANUS ELISA Genzyme Virotech GmbH kit was used for detection of IgG antibodies against tetanus. The level of >0.1 IU/ml was used as protective level of antibodies. Total number of 341 samples was investigated for antibodies against tetanus. Nonprotective (